Did you check the rears? Do you know if anyone swapped any bearings? Pretty common for a front bearing to be put in backwards or a rear tone ring to be left off.
CFM is the only source for that lever but their prices on OEM parts are way high.
Tasca has an option for the IMRC actuator for $206 plus shipping.
-Steve
I also forgot to mention that the reason it has the dark, somewhat shiny finish is that I treated it with Penetrol which will preserve the metal as is so it shouldn't change over time.
-Steve